Piping. Piping competition is a solo event with pipers competing at six skill levels. The judging is based on tuning, timing (including tempo and breaks between tunes), execution and expression. Competitions fall into two categories: the MSR (marches, Strathspey and reels) events and the Piobaireachd (classical music for the pipes). Some functions also offer competition in the jig and hornpipe categories.

Drumming. Drumming competition is a solo event with drummers competing at five skill levels. The judging is based on roll, tone, tempo, execution, rhythm/expansion, quality/variety and blend.

Drum Major. A Drum Major competition is a solo event for the Drum Major. Since the drum major sets the tempo for band through swinging of mace (staff), this competition is used to help create consistency between drum majors. The drum major must compete in full dress and is judged on that dress, their deportment or general conduct and their flourish (manipulation of the mace).

Drum Corps

Pipe Band. A Pipe Band competition is a band event where a specified minimum number of pipers and drummers are required. Each band must play a medley of tunes where the types of tunes required will depend on the caliber or grade of the pipe band. In addition, the higher the level of competition, the longer the band will play. Three judges will determine each bands standing within the competition. The judges evaluate a number of areas including how well the tunes selected were played versus how difficult the tunes are to play, the quality of tuning for the pipes at the beginning and end of the set, and the musical nature of the selected tunes (eg do the selected tunes flow easily from one to the next).

Massed Band. The Massed Band ceremony is when all participating pipe bands parade together playing a common medley of pipe tunes. Traditionally, the massed band will perform simple maneuvers on the parade field. The medley consists of popular bagpipe tunes.

Celtic Harp (Clarsach). In the Highlands, the harp, or Clarsach, accompanied the clan chiefs into battle until the bagpipes took over this roll in the 16th century. The clan harp player would perform for both happy and sad occasions.

Scottish Fiddle. A Scottish fiddle competition consists of the following pieces: Air, March, Strathspey and Reel.